THE Dear Dr. Cortnie Blog

Meet Dr. Cortnie

My name is Dr. Cortnie S. Baity, PhD, LMFT, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author, entrepreneur, and creator serving clients in Florida, Georgia, and New York. I am the founder and owner of Onward and Upward Psychotherapy and Consulting Services, LLC, a private mental health practice dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families create healthier, more fulfilling lives.

For the past 17 years, I have devoted myself to the study of human psychology, including nearly 12 years of direct clinical experience providing psychotherapy and nearly six years as a full-time entrepreneur building and leading my private practice.

My work has since expanded beyond the therapy room. I am the creator of “Dear Dr. Cortnie”, a growing educational platform encompassing my YouTube channel and blog, where I explore mental health, relationships, emotional wellness, personal growth, faith, and the complexities of navigating life. I am also the creator of “Ready to Marry™” and the author of digital books, workbooks, and resources available through my Ready to Marry storefront and Amazon Kindle. Through these platforms, I aim to make meaningful psychological insight accessible to broader audiences seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their lives.

Throughout my career, my mission has remained the same: to better understand the hows and whys of human behavior—and to help others better understand themselves. I am passionate about equipping people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges, effectively manage their emotions and behaviors, strengthen their relationships, and cultivate lives rooted in greater health, resilience, and fulfillment.

Whether through psychotherapy, writing, education, or honest conversation, my work is ultimately about helping people continue moving “onward and upward”.

Dear Dr. Cortnie shares reflective essays that weave personal story with clinical insight, inviting thoughtful readers to explore how psychology shapes real, everyday living.